06/28/2010 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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stated in his September 16, 2009 introduction and statement for election that he believes "in individual freedoms." I believe in the protection of these freedoms. • This proposal purports to be made with future savings to the city budget in mind. However, if Lino Lakes is sued by any organization or individual, whether the city wins or loses, the cost will most likely outweigh any savings that may occur. And please note, savings that MAY OCCUR is a key concept here. Since we do not currently expend any funds in translation on any level, we have no basis on which to suppose that we will. However, we can almost be assured that legal action of some nature will occur if we enact such a proposal. Economic Ramifications to our Reputation: • In reviewing the articles written concerning this proposal, I note that our acting City Administrator, Dan Tesch has advised the council to consider the impression such enactment may have upon the city indicating that we may be perceived as "not welcoming and unfriendly." Despite the rationale of economic pro - activisim given for this proposal, anyone in marketing or business will agree that PERCEPTION will have more bearing on reputation than anything else. • Interestingly, the author or this proposal, in his September 16, 2009 introduction and statement for election says "I believe that Lino Lakes reputation is development unfriendly." If, as this statement indicates, we're already perceived as unfriendly, can we seriously consider doing something that enhances THAT reputation? Economic Ramifications of Business Development: • According to a recent study done at the U of M's Humprhrey Institute of Public Affairs on "The Economic Impact of Immigrants in Minnesota," immigrant -owned businesses generated $331 million in net income to Minnesota in the year 2000, and their presence in the state's economy has grown dramatically since then. Also, contrary to some rationale for excluding options for immigrants because they take from society rather than give, occupations of immigrants in the Minneapolis -St. Paul area are 48% professional — doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, social scientists, and business owners. Their economic and social contributions are tremendous. See also footnote.2 • 2 MINNESOTA: A 2004 report by the Minneapolis Foundation found that more than 16,000 Asian - Indians living in Minnesota accounted for $500 million in consumer purchasing power, paid $5.2 million in real estate taxes and $2.3 million in rent, and owned 400 companies that employed more than 6,000 people. The report also found that more than 1,000 Mexican - American businesses operated in Minnesota, generating an estimated $200 million in sales; while Latino workers employed in south - central agricultural industries added nearly $25 million to the local economy. Minnesota is also home to roughly 60,000 Hmong, whose businesses generated an estimated $100 million in revenue.